Alicia Richards

The vessel was created by Thomas Weathermark as an art piece that would help tourists see a spectacular view of  New York City. You do need tickets to climb the vessel and there are two options: There are same day tickets available at the vessel and they are FREE. I suggest you go to the vessel first and book your tickets and then explore the Hudson Yards Mall or hang out in the Public Square. If you are looking for more New York City content check out these posts: New York City for the first time

When my husband and I moved to Connecticut many years ago, I think the only thing I knew about Connecticut at all was Yale. Pepe’s (voted by thrillist.com as best pizza in the country for 3 years running) and Sally’s. If you want authentic abeetz, head over to Wooster Street and hop in line for Pepe’s pizza. Order the white clam pizza (the best pizza in America according to thrillist.com) or the fresh tomato (summer availability only) and wash it down with locally-produced Foxon Park Birch beer.

If you want to ride on the Grand Canal in a gondola, hire your driver at San Marco Square or Rialto Bridge. You won’t find big tourist attractions here, and that is partly what makes it such a great place to spend some time. The Hotel Olimpia is in easy walking distance from the Venice train station, so you won’t have to lug your baggage over cobblestone streets for long. From the bus or train station you will want to take a water bus to San Marco Square or Rialto Bridge.

You can tell a young child that it is going to be 2 hours until you are there, and you might as well have said 200 hours or 20 minutes. I would do a mix of dollar store toys, books I could read to them, coloring or sticker books, a favorite DVD, snacks, or song time. As the kids have gotten older, I still try to have something to break up trips longer than 5-6 hours. Of course they can all read a clock and their concept of time is very solid, but they were doing great by the time each of them was 7 or 8.